The University of California Board of Regents has passed a “Tuition Stabilization Program” that allows annual tuition increases of up to 5% for new incoming students, significantly raising the future financial burden on UC students and their families. The new policy takes effect for students entering in fall 2026.On November 19, the UC Board of Regents held a full board meeting at UCLA and voted 13–3 to give final approval to the so-called “cohort-based tuition increase plan” for new students.

Under the program, tuition for each entering class (cohort) is fixed for up to six years after enrollment. The plan was first approved in 2021 and implemented starting with the 2022 entering class. While UC promotes it as providing “tuition stability” for current students and their families, it allows tuition for each new incoming class to rise by up to 5% annually, meaning newer students will pay progressively higher rates than the previous year’s class.

In practice, tuition for California resident undergraduates who enrolled this fall reached $14,934 — an 18.8% increase from $12,570 in 2021. Out-of-state students now pay $50,328. The board also approved reducing the portion of tuition revenue allocated to financial aid from 45% to 40%.UC officials described the measures as an unavoidable response to “severe and cumulative financial pressures” caused by state budget cuts, reduced federal funding, and inflation.

They argue that, rather than repeating the past “boom-and-bust” cycle of freezing tuition for years and then imposing double-digit hikes during economic downturns, this model enables more predictable and sustainable financial planning. UC first introduced this cohort model in 2021.Students, however, strongly oppose the decision, saying it simply shifts a heavier burden onto future students and low-income families. Protests erupted at the Regents’ meeting at UCLA, repeatedly interrupting proceedings. At one point, the meeting was briefly cleared and protesters removed after they chanted slogans. Demonstrations continued outside the venue throughout the day.

Diego Emilio Bolar, president of the UCLA Undergraduate Students Association, stated, “Students should not have to fight for their survival. Instead of passing the burden onto students, UC should be demanding additional funding from the state legislature and the federal government.”